Amazon Sweden has joined forces with Feminvest, the region’s leading platform for women entrepreneurs and investors, to launch a new initiative aimed at combating barriers to women in business. The newly unveiled Amazon Expand accelerator programme is designed to empower women-led enterprises and promote a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape across the Nordic region.
The Amazon Expand programme directly addresses the gender gap in the Swedish business-scene by offering female entrepreneurs the tools and guidance needed to thrive in the digital economy.
The initiative was introduced by David Zapolsky, Amazon’s Chief Global Affairs & Legal Office, in his recent visit to Stockholm. Speaking at the annual FEARLESS event hosted by Feminvest, Zapolsky emphasised the broader significance of the programme. He noted that supporting women in business isn’t just good practice, but rather essential for Sweden’s economic competitiveness and growth.
The programme builds on findings from the Entrepreneurship for All report, which highlighted digitalisation as a vital driver of equality in business. Amazon Expand also aims to address the need for stronger training and networking opportunities for female founders, which was highlighted in the report.
“Sweden’s entrepreneurs are both innovative and driven, but we risk missing out on great potential if we do not actively work to promote female entrepreneurship,” said Gulfem Toygar, Country Manager for Amazon Sweden. “This programme represents our commitment to nurturing diverse business talent and strengthening the overall business sector.”
Running from April 2025 to March 2026, the accelerator will support 10 to 15 women-led businesses from the Feminvest Expand network. The focus will be on consumer product categories such as beauty, apparel, and home goods. Participants will be selected based on factors like product-market fit, business ambition, and export potential.
Over the course of a year, participants will receive tailored support including business development advice, individual coaching for scaling on digital marketplaces, access to Amazon’s seller tools and programmes, as well as expert-led workshops and networking events.
Bringing together Amazon’s global e-commerce capabilities and Feminvest’s deep understanding of female-led ventures, the Amazon Expand programme aims to make a long-term impact. Applications are now open for the first cohort.
